How to win the gold medal
In the history of mail

Judges give higher scores to topics of broader significance. Here are some comparative examples:

A participant cannot change the intrinsic importance of any chosen topic. However, they can:

• Expanding the scope of the topic To gain additional importance points — while being careful that unplanned expansion does not lead to a loss of points from “processing”.

• Explaining the complexity of the subject and its impact On the title page, so that the judges may see a deeper significance than what is apparent.

It should include:

• Defining the scope with clear boundaries (temporal/geographical/historical)
• Statement of purpose of the exhibition
• Organizational chart

This could include:

• Background of the topic
• bibliography
• A illustrative piece of Filatelli

At the gold level (90+) you cannot lose more than 10 points. The referees are looking for What you lack No, what you own:

• Approximately 3 points Treatment and importance
• Approximately 3 points From knowledge and research
• Approximately 3 points From the situation and rarity
• Maximum One point From the show

At the high gold level (95+), you cannot lose more than 5 points:

• Approximately 2 points Treatment and importance
• One point From knowledge
• One point From the situation and rarity
• One point From the show

It is required that you Recognized authority In your subject, and that you have published research in the Philatelic press.

A good presentation makes it easier to understand and attracts judges. A bad presentation makes them spend less time evaluating you!

• Pages Elegant and attractive — Neither crowded nor empty
• to avoid inner frames On the pages
• Font size: Clear for easy reading; headings stand out from the main text.
• Pages 6 and 7 are the most strategic in the framework (eyes are drawn to them).
• Color photos are preferred over black and white.
• Copied images must differ in size by at least 25% from the original.

• Postal stamps and dates must be Read
• Letters without stamps (before the stamp era) should be Clean and wrinkle-free
• Minor improvements to the condition are acceptable (removing dirt, refolding…)
• Substantial improvements such as patching the back cover It should be noted on the page
• Improving seals and handwriting Absolutely unacceptable It is considered forgery
• Disaster mail (drowning, accidents) is not expected to be in perfect condition

Scarcity ≠ High Prices!

• Scarcity = Number of known copies (unrelated to price)
• stinginess Quantity available for order (related to price)
• The text should clarify Number of known copies The reason for the scarcity
• Present the well-known anecdotes of the rulers Even if it's not the rarest topic
• The most obvious rarities: a slanted line, a frame, extra white space — but not excessively so.

🏆 The gold exhibition cannot be easily replicated.

Mail history tells a story — research sets you apart from a mere copyist of auction catalogs.

• Explicit knowledge: Explanations and analyses in written texts
• Tacit knowledge: The pieces I chose to tell the story
• Avoid being a "parrot": Don't repeat what is obvious on the text.
• Highlight key information about the main plot point, and add subplots where needed.
• New research is rewarded — Make sure the referees know it's yours!
• Do not include lengthy research articles—summarize your findings only.

⚠️ In fact, gold can only be achieved by obtaining 9–10 points in importance!

• Importance means The topic's status In the context of the development of the global postal system
• Wider geographic areas and longer time periods = greater importance
• The importance of the topic can be explained on the title page in a way that makes the judges see a deeper significance.

• Postal History A story that should unfold smoothly From beginning to end
• Each section is sized to suit its content — not to the size of the available pieces.
• Page titles are mandatoryReading only the titles should give a complete idea of the narrative.
• There are no unexplained gaps in the presented material.
• Avoid excessive repetition in similar pieces.
• Section titles should be clear and prominent, either in larger font or with a border.

No need to spend more money on rarer pieces! Your performance is excellent in this criterion. Focus your efforts on the weaker criterion.

Start reviewing Case first — A few “unattractive” items can have a negative impact. Identify the items that need upgrading before seeking out more expensive rarities.

This area requires serious review:

• Have you conducted genuine, personal research?
• Do your texts analyze or merely describe?
• Is your original research clearly labeled?
• Do you avoid “parroting” (repeating what is obvious on the piece)?

• Request specific feedback on Importance component — This is the most difficult to influence.

• Processing component It's easiest to improve — start with the title page and narrative logic.

• Publish research articles in Specialized Filatli Press
• Publish books on the subject of your exhibition
• Presented specialized seminars
• Be an active member or founder For specialized study groups

• A reasonable number of World's first-class rarities
• Scarcity should achieve 18–19 out of 20
• The situation must be verified 10 out of 10 points
• Boldly announce your rarities with accurate statistics — but be prepared for a challenge!
• A crucial question: Do you have a sufficient budget to acquire rare, high-quality pieces from around the world?

Knowledge must be achieved 34 out of 35 points — A very difficult goal that can only be achieved through genuine research effort accumulated over years.

There are absolutely no errors in the exhibition texts.

• Asian exhibitions may be better evaluated in Asia.
• European exhibitions may be more deeply understood in Europe.
• Regarding the Grand Prix competition: the competition in the national category is less intense.
• Judges are human — make sure they are familiar with your subject, but not to the point of knowing what you are unaware of!